Simply Scrumptious & Satisfying " Pasta Aglio e Olio"

What if I told you, you could make dinner in 15 minutes?

What if I told you, that dinner would be simple, scrumptious and satisfying?

What if I told you, this treat could serve 4 people for less then $3?

OK...OK! I will stop asking you goofy questions and just tell you.  *smile*

"Pasta Aglio e Olio"

Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil!

Nothing beats a hot bowl of well cooked pasta and keeping it simple means this recipe can be ready in a matter of minutes.  Yet while simple with few ingredients, this dish rivals any sauced pasta dish that you could spend hours on.  Pair this dish with a salad for a complete meal or enjoy alone as a impromptu tummy pleasing late night snack.

What you will need:

• 1 lb. of spaghetti or linguine
• 1/2 C. olive oil
• 8 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• 3/4 C. freshly grated/shaved parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Sweet Basil Trenette from Pappardelle Pasta, Seattle

In large stock pot bring water to a boil.  Once water is boiling you want to add some salt to the water.  This will season your pasta as it cooks.  Add enough salt, so it tastes like the sea on your tongue. 

Add pasta to boiling water and stir.  When the water returns to a boil, start your timer (check time on your package for cook time as it will vary for fresh, dried, and whole wheat or gluten free pasta).  It is important to not let your pasta get over cooked.  I will admit that sometimes I don't use a timer when baking or cooking but with pasta I always use a timer. Give your pasta a twirl or two during cooking, this will help keep the noodles separated. 

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in skillet on med/high.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes then cook till garlic turns golden.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Drain pasta in colander, reserving a cup of the boil water (Do not rinse! Rinsing washes away the wee bits of starch that help your sauce/oil cling to your pasta) and then slide your noodles into a pasta bowl and toss with oil mixture (if mixture is a bit "dry" add some of the reserved boil water) and salt/pepper to taste .  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and EAT UP!

Mangia! Mangia!

If you want to dress up this simple recipe:

• Add roasted or sauteed veggies
• Add chicken or tofu for protein
• Use flavored pasta (I used "Sweet Basil Trenette, in the photo's posted)

Time saving tip:

Use jarred/minced garlic.  If you are like me and keep these cheater jars around,  just make sure you blot out the moisture some prepared minced garlic has as this will cause your oil to pop and splatter during cook time.  OUCH! I don't want you to get burned. 

I hope you enjoy this simple recipe and as always; let me know if you have any questions and what you think, when you give this a try!